BlogFonk

UK producer Ania Markham doesn't let anyone tell her things can't be done. What are her Fonks for Thoughts?

Photo Ania Markham: "Don't let anyone tell you it can't be done, there is always a way."

BlogFonk: Who is Ania Markham? And where are you from?
Markham: I'm the producer at PostPanic and originally a Londoner (grew up in Kingston). I moved to the Netherlands three years ago, after deciding to escape the rat-race, and now live contentedly in Haarlem.

BlogFonk: Do you love your work? Why (not)?
Markham: I do love my work mainly because I've finally got another Londoner in the office and we can banter to our heart's content. That's pretty much the only thing I missed about not working in London. Because I work in a small company, my role as producer is constantly different, sometimes I do more account direction, other days line producing and others simply the best tea making. For me, that's the ideal job as it combines all my previous experience (content production, brand management, account direction) in London and means I never get bored with what I'm doing.

I also work with a group of people whose work I really respect (and like) so it's easy to get enthusiastic about new projects. Finally, it may sound wierd but having worked in big companies most of my career, it's really nice to be part of a small one and feel the results of your work directly.

Still: Music promo "Ligaya by Gouryella"

BlogFonk: What is PostPanic all about?
Markham: PostPanic is Amsterdam based and specialises in film, motion graphics, 3d and print. We're sort of unusual in that the whole process from concept through production to post-production is done in-house. We multi-task through the different stages. The company was set up in 1997 by the three creative directors (Mischa, Jules and Mark) and occupies a unique position within the Amsterdam creative industry. We're small and we like it that way because it allows us to choose our work carefully and still have the freedom to work on our own internal projects.

BlogFonk: Is there difference in mentality of creatives in the countries you've worked?
Markham: Definitely. I'm also half-Polish so I've worked with British, Dutch and Polish teams. I think the Dutch definitely have the best work/life balance, display the least prima-donnerish behaviour plus they're always more willing to bend the rules which I think is a really good thing. The British are too worried about being seen as bad-employees and are far too cynical but they will move heaven and earth to hit a dead-line and the Polish, well, I think they have a bad rep and are under-valued by the west. They are highly creative, good-hearted people and real grafters (although avoid the old-school drinking Poles because it'll be a disaster). Overall though, since leaving the UK, I've been struck by how rich the sub-cultural influences are in our make-up as a Brit and actually how unique that experience is compared to other European countries.

Still: PostPanic won a prestigious Lamp award for the art direction on their Nike "Look Good Be Bad" film at this years ADCN awards.

BlogFonk: What are the latest important developments you've noticed in advertising?
Markham: I think brands place a lot more importance on trend forecasting and researching than 10 years ago. I'm impressed by how detailed some of the research studies are these days compared to the early days of trend forecasting. (Check out the work being done by Streative Branding). This can only be a good thing and means that brands are really taking notice of their audiences rather than dictating to them. I also love how multi-platformed creative ideas have become and the opportunities we now have to develop content across multi-disciplines.

Still: Nike "Look Good Be Bad" film.

BlogFonk: Which project are you most proud of?
Markham: It's difficult to single out because we do a lot of projects for Nike Brand Design in Hilversum and we really enjoy working with them. The opportunities they give us are priceless and allow us to explore different styles and techniques.

I'm proud of "Nike Look Good Feel Bad" which was a completely 3-d animated retail film and recently won an ADCN Lamp for Art Direction. It was a challenging film partly due to an extremely quick turnaround for completion and also more technical things such as complicated football moves that had to be motion captured. We were pleased with the result.

Still: Nike "Look Good Be Bad" film.

Most proud of..., well, we're currently about to finish production on the new Sportlife commercial for SWH which has been a big project for us. We've been working on it for the past 5 months and it's pushed us both creatively and production wise and we're really excited about how it will be received. Keep an eye out for it soon.

BlogFonk: If you'd be given the chance to do something over again, what would that be?
Markham: I once sung, very drunkenly, Bette Midler's "Wind beneath my wings" to British actor Ian Hart. I would happily not do that again.
On a serious note, I studied computer animation as part of my degree at Goldsmiths College (London University) and I wish I had taken my first job after graduation in that field rather than "The Word" (Channel 4 television series) which basically determined my subsequent career in television production. I love producing but I wish I could be more hands-on creative.

BlogFonk: Finally, what is your motto, your "Fonk for Thoughts" (inspiration to be creative)?
Markham: Don't let anyone tell you it can't be done, there is always a way...

posted by BlogFonk: Tuesday, May 10, 2005 [#]